To help mitigate potential risks associated with ice rink refrigeration equipment, the Provincial Government has standards in place to ensure the health and safety of patrons and staff.

Ammonia is commonly used in mechanical refrigeration systems, including those found in ice arenas. These systems are required to be installed, operated and maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Compressed Gas Regulations and the Mechanical Refrigeration Code.

These systems are periodically inspected by boiler pressure vessel inspectors and must have current and valid inspection certificates. All workplaces are required to perform their own regular inspections. The Occupational Health and Safety division also conduct regular inspections at ice rinks to promote health and safety.

There are a number of practices that arena users, employees and municipal governments that operate arenas can follow to minimize risk.

Quote
“When there’s an opportunity to minimize a safety risk we ensure standards are in place. The Provincial Government wants residents to be able to enjoy these recreational facilities knowing they are safe.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

– 30 –

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Service NL Safety Bulletins

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Media contact
Krista Dalton
Digital Government and Service NL
709-729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca

 BACKGROUNDER

Standards to Minimize Ammonia Risks

Arena users

• In case of an ammonia leak or emergency, facilities must have a working alarm that workers and arena users can see and hear. The alarm includes a monitor that constantly tracks ammonia levels and responds if concentrations reach a certain preset level.
• Users must accept the responsibility to safely leave the facility as required under the National Fire Code of Canada when a building emergency alarm is activated.
• Arena users should know where fire exits are and evacuate as soon as an alarm is heard.

Arena employees

• Arena employees must understand all written preventative maintenance procedures and emergency response procedures.
• They must understand the health hazards of ammonia and have up-to-date Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training.
• Employees must also have access to (and understand how to use) adequate personal protective equipment (e.g. respirators).

Municipal governments that operate arenas

• It is the arena operator’s responsibility to train staff, as well as provide all necessary financial resources to safely operate the equipment to meet all regulatory compliance obligations.
• In consultation with equipment manufacturers or suppliers, owners must ensure that all equipment is inspected regularly and replaced when necessary.
• They must also ensure everyone who works on the ammonia system has ready access to, and understands the written preventative maintenance and emergency procedures that they have developed for this type of work.
• Arena operators are encouraged to update and practice emergency drills with staff.
• Operators must include plans for testing and replacing, where required, all safety equipment, such as monitors and alarm systems, detection equipment, ventilation, radios, eyewash stations, respiratory and skin protection equipment and first aid kits.
• They must also establish a system to ensure the continued well-being of workers who enter an ammonia enclosure on their own (working alone policy).